Schroeder, a Social Democrat, has said he wants to move swiftly to set up a coalition after defeating chancellor Helmut Kohl in elections on Sunday and returning the Left to power in Germany after 16 years.

Formal coalition talks open tomorrow, but leaders of both parties wanted to discuss the agenda and timetable today, sources on both sides said.

The mainstream Social Democrats and the small, sometimes radical Greens share a range of goals, such as fighting unemployment, cutting taxes and granting dual citizenship to long-time foreign residents.

However, Greens positions on foreign and defence policy disbanding NATO, limiting foreign missions of German soldiers and cutting troop strength promise tough negotiations.

Party officials say the aim is to have a new government confirmed within three weeks so Schroeder can attend an October 24-25summit of European leaders in Austria.